American Family Association of
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
PA Hate Crimes Law Declared Unconstitutional!
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“The AFA of PA and others have argued since November 2002 that gutting an agricultural vandalism bill dealing with eggs, milk and fruit trees and making it into a hate crimes bill was not simply wrong but also violated
In June of 2003 Gramley and Fran Bevan, president of Pennsylvania Eagle Forum, were plaintiffs in a similar lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of H.B. 1493. Each was involved in the lawsuit as individuals and not in their official capacities nor representing their respective organizations. In July 2005 that lawsuit was dismissed saying that neither Gramley nor Bevan had legal standing in the case. Only Judge Pellegrini dissented in that decision saying that as citizens of the
Since the initial lawsuit challenging the law’s constitutionality, eleven Christians were arrested in
“All citizens who take our PA Constitution seriously should be grateful for today’s decision. Legislators must follow the rules when creating new laws in
Only newly retained President Judge Bonnie Leadbetter dissented in today’s decision.
From today’s court decision:
“ . . . we agree with Petitioners that HB 1493 did not retain its original purpose as it moved through the enactment process.” (page 8)
“Therefore, we conclude HB 1493 was altered to change its original purpose and Petitioners are entitled to summary relief on this basis.” (page 9)
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